Trash removal system

ABSTRACT

A trash removal system with remotely located trash collection bins and a container chargeable from the bins, the container being automatically charged in response to a loading condition of an individual bin. Signalling means associated with the bins automatically causes the container to travel to the bin by means of an elevator control assembly. Emptying of the bins is initiated when the container has reached a charging location and an appropriate signal has been communicated to the bin. The bins are individually operated to automatically dump their contents into the awaiting container. The containers are further manipulated for emptying or removal when they reach a handling zone.

United States Patent 1 Sandefer Oct. 23, 1973 TRASH REMOVAL SYSTEM Inventor: Kyle Sandefer, Houston, Tex.

Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant ExaminerLawrence J. Oresky Attorney-James E. Cockfield [57] ABSTRACT A trash removal system with remotely located trash collection bins and a container chargeable from the bins, the container being automatically charged in response to a loading condition of an individual bin. Signalling means associated with the bins automatically causes the container to travel to the bin by means of an elevator control assembly. Emptying of the bins is initiated when the container has reached a charging location and an appropriate signal has been communicated to the bin. The bins are individually operated to automatically dump their contents into the awaiting container. The containers are further manipulated for emptying or removal when they reach a handling zone.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures /ll 7" 6 I3 SIGNALLING DEM 5w H.E1O READYI m -W i T I WLWA TIT/T DUMP COMPLETE SWITCH CONTROL ELEVATOR .fli ijlu m. l MOTOR DRIVE I I I I I I Fl 6 Z.

BIN

FULL

READY sum 10F A DEVICE (SWI TCH.E

SIGNALLING BIN DUMP COM PLETE I I l I ll SWITCH ELEVATOR CONTROL HANDLING MEANS mmmomzalsn 3,767.074

SHEET 2 OF 4 PATENIEDnm 23 ms 3.767074 SHEET s 0F 4 TRASH REMOVAL SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic trash removal system and method and more particularly to a system of this type responsive to the loading condition of individual trash collection bins remotely located from a trash receiving container.

Various trash removal schemes have been employed in the past in multistoried buildings in an attempt to adequately deal with the trash accumulated daily at each floor by the tenants. Solutions to this trash removal problem can generally be viewed as involving three basic areas. Firstly, providing appropriate centralized trash collection zones at each floor; secondly, providing means for moving the trash from these zones to a ground floor or basement level; and thirdly, some means need be provided for handling the collected trash once it reaches these lower levels.

The prior art system apparently most widely accepted utilizes trash collection rooms or areas on each floor into which individual tenants, for example, deposit their refuse. At collection time the rooms are emptied manually and the trash is carried, generally in a conventional freight elevator, to awaiting trucks. This type of removal, as can be appreciated, is quite expensive in requiring the use of janitorial services and in the utilization of valuable floor space for the trash rooms which must generally be large enough to store trash for several days. In addition, the trash rooms often become unsightly and need periodic cleaning for both hygienic and esthetic reasons. Also the time required to adequately collect all of the trash is considerable.

It would therefore, be extremely desirable to provide a trash removal system wherein maintenance and labor costs can be kept to a minimum and wherein trash may be collected rapidly.

Another approach has been the use of open chutes extending from the ground floor upwardly through the various upper floors. These chutes normally have trash receiving openings in communication with each floor. Normally gravity is relied upon to cause the refuse dumped into the chutes to travel downwardly to the ground floor, where, for example, an incinerator may be located. The trash, however, during its descent may contact the inner walls of these chutes and contaminate them, necessitating periodic wash-downs. Also the free vertical drop may cause the trash to attain a very high velocity generating excessive noise when the trash reaches the bottom of the chute. Damage caused by these falling objects may also be considerable, as well as dangerous. While baffles may be employed to break the free fall of the refuse, sanitary problems persist.

Elevator and loading mechanisms such as that proposed in a Friend Jr. US. Pat. No. 2,966,996 suggest the use of elevators for carrying refuse and the like from the upper floors of apartment buildings, office buildings and hotels to a ground level for dumping. This mechanism, however, requires manual actuation thus still necessitating the use of labor. The elevator must be sent to the desired floor by an operator on the ground or by someone on one of the floors. Also there must be someone on each floor to place collected trash on the waiting elevator and usually initiate its return to ground level. In addition, the easy access to this mechanism may tend to encourage vandalism and endanger children who may be attracted to the elevator.

It would, therefore, be highly desirable to provide a refuse disposal system which automatically picks up trash from remote locations and automatically returns the trash collected to ground level for emptying.

It would also be desirable to automatically monitor waste stations on individual floors for the automatic emptying thereof.

Due to the increased emphasis in todays society on protecting the environment, conventional refuse disposal concepts are coming under increased scrutiny. Formerly acceptable procedures of incineration and sanitary landfills are being questioned as to their effects on pollution of the air and land. Additionally, the dumping of trash far out at sea is becoming increasingly undesirable. Prior art trash removal methods have been unable to adequately adapt to these changing requirements. Redesigning these systems may be unduly expensive and impractical when attempting to conform to changing standards. incinerators positioned to receive refuse from gravity chutes in multistoried buildings, for example, may sit unused with landlords resorting to other methods of trash removal in order to comply with State and Federal pollution laws.

It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a trash removal system which is capable of being adapted to accommodate a variety of trash disposal concepts.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a general object of the invention to provide a novel trash removal system which obviates or minimizes disadvantages of the sort previously noted.

It is an object of the invention to provide a completely automated trash removal system which collects trash from remote locations, transfers it to a handling zone and removes the trash without the need for manual assistance.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a trash removal system having an automatic collection operation activated by a predetermined loading condition of remotely located refuse collection bins.

It is a further object to provide for automatic emptying of charged refuse containers after completion of the collection cycle.

It is another object of the invention to provide a handling means which cooperates with the container assemblies to deal with the trash collected from the various bins without the need for manual assistance.

it is yet another object to provide, in one embodiment of an automatic trash removal system, a container assembly which is automatically tipped for emptying by a cam track assembly.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in another embodiment of an automatic trash removal system, a bottom dump container assembly which is automatically operated by abutment means connected to a trash handling assembly.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide, in yet another embodiment, for the automatic selective removal of a full refuse container and the automatic supplying of an empty container.

A related object of the invention is to provide in an automatic trash removal system, individually powered refuse collection bins selectively pivotable to dump the contents thereof into a properly located container.

In accomplishing at least certain of the objects heretofore noted, a trash removal system is provided with includes a plurality of bins remotely located from one another and a collection device operable to travel to the bins and be charged with their contents. An indicating device is operable to indicate a loading condition of a bin and signal the collection device to initiate travel to the appropriately loaded bin. Discharge means is operable to discharge the loaded bin into the collection device, the contents of which are handled subsequently. Additionally, a transporting apparatus is operable to cause the collection device to be transported to the individual bins.

The refuse disposal system is preferably utilized in a multi-storied building and utilizes an elevator to travel between trash collection zones on the various floors of the building. The trash collection elevator assembly travels to collection bins located on the floors. A signalling device is connected to each of the bins and serves to indicate that a predetermined loading condition has been met and to automatically initiate the travel of the collection elevator to the appropriately loaded bin. Once the elevator is properly positioned, the dump signal is generated and the bin discharges its contents into an awaiting elevator. A discharge device causes the bin to dump its contents into the awaiting elevator. Upon completion of the dumping cycle another signal is generated which again initiates the travel of the elevator. The trash collected in the elevator is automatically handled at a lower floor of the building.

THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the control aspects of the invention providing sequential illustration of the manner in which the various operations are carried out;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention employed in a multi-storied building and showing in detail the inverted dump container assembly embodiment of the elevator assembly;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the bin assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 provides a detailed side view of the bottom dump container assembly embodiment of the elevator assembly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation of the removable container assembly embodiment of the elevator assemy;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a trash baler utilizable with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation ofa sump pump trash processor utilizable with the invention; I

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a trailer utilizable with the invention to remove trash from a building; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a mobile trash receptacle rack utilizable with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General Summary Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred form of the trash removal system 11 of the present invention is there shown.

The system includes bin assembly means 13 which are located remotely from one another, such as for example on spaced apart floors of a multistoried building. These bins or receptacles 13 are arranged to receive trash deposited therein from occupants or maintenance personnel which is collected from a particular zone, such as a floor of the building or a portion of this floor depending on the capacity of the bin 13.

An elevator control device 23 is provided to cause a container assembly means 17 to travel to the individual bin locations and selectively be charged by the contents from the bins 13. This container assembly means 17 travels from a trash container handling means 19 to the individual bins 13. In the preferred form this assembly 17 includes a container or bucket which travels generally upwardly within a conventional elevator shaft. It can be appreciated, however, that travel of this container assembly in other directions, for example horizontally, to receive refuse from remotely located bins 13 is also contemplated.

The container assembly 17 may be powered to travel between and to these remotely located bins 13 by a conventional power means 21 which may be an electric or hydraulic motor. This drive means would be suitably provided with forward and reverse modes of operation to effect movement of the container from the handling means 19 to and from the various bins 13. Also included within this transfer means is an elevator control means 23 which appropriately and selectively signals the motor drive 4 to position of the container assembly 17.

The transfer means may be of various conventional types wherein signalling through an elevator control device will activate the container assembly 17 to move- The trash removal system of FIG. 1 also includes I means 25 responsive to a loading condition of the bin 13 which signals and automatically initiates the travel of the container 17 to the appropriate bin for receiving the contents of that bin. This signal means 25 also may cause the container assembly 17 to travel to-either another bin for emptying or back to the handling means 19.

The loading condition of the bin 13 may take the form of a volume or weight measurement made by any of numerous signalling devices. This loading condition may, for example, include a quantity of refuse reaching a certain height which may be signalled by an electric eye or switching device. Also the number of deposits made into the bin 13 or the weight of these deposits may be appropriate indications of a full or loaded bin.

By way of example, this signalling means 25 may include an indicating device 27 which is actuated when the predetermined loading condition has been sensed. As noted, this device may be a conventional switch which provides a signal for each opening and closing of the bin. However, the signalling device 27 may provide a digital output or an analog output corresponding to the amount of material within the bin 13.

For the purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the number of bin chargings made will be signalled by this device 27. An appropriate number of such chargings would be sensed by an accumulator or full-bin-reading register 29, also of conventional design. Such an accumulator may be a binary counter or other device which will only provide an output signal when a predetermined number of impulses have been received from the signalling device 27.

An indication from device 29 will therefore communicate that the bin 13 associated therewith has reached a full (i.e. desired but not necessarily full load) condition and the trash therein is ready for collection. This indication will appropriately activate one elevator control 23 and drive the container assembly 17 to the signalling full bin. As previously noted, any suitable conventional control may perform this function.

The container assembly 17 would therefore travel to the appropriate bin location and stop at a predetermined position for receiving the contents of bin 13. Telegraphing the arrival and the proper positioning of the bin 17 is a dump signal indicator 31. This indicator 31 may be in the form of a micro switch which is activated by the stopping of the container asembly 17. A signal from indicator 31 would then trigger the dumping of the full bin into the container assembly 17. This dumping operation will be more clearly understood with reference to FIGS. 2 9, however, the dumping may be accomplished by a variety of conventional mechanisms.

After the emptying of the bin 13, a dump complete signal, through device 33, would be generated to appropriately control the movement of the elevator container assembly 17. This may be accomplished, for example, by a limit switch located contiguous to each bin. One opening and closing of this switch can signal the completion of the dumping cycle. On the completion of the dump from one bin 13, the container assemblies may be caused to return to the handling means 19 and discharge its contents. Alternatively, the container assembly may be caused to move directly to another full bin which has produced a ready signal or the container assembly may be stopped to await a further transfer to another bin. This latter operation advantageously maximizes the efficiency of the trash handling system by avoiding unnecessary returns to the handling zone 19 when the container 17 is not completely full. Again, conventional elevator controls 23 are available to perform this function. After a predetermined number of bin collections, the container may proceed to the handling means 19 and be automatically emptied.

It can be appreciated that each floor of a building may be provided with bins 13 and the associated signalling means 25. Also provision may be made to provide alternative signalling devices 27, 29, 31 and 33, depending on the requirements of the particular trash removal system 11 which is preferred. Importantly, a loading condition of the trash receiving bins 13 is utilized to actuate the movement of the container assembly 17.

DETAILED STRUCTURE AND OPERATION Bin Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 2-9, there is shown a preferred form of the trash removal system of FIG. 1.

The trash removal system 11 is illustrated in use in a multi-storied building having a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart floors 35. The container assembly 17 is positioned to move generally upwardly between these various floors through a conventional elevator shaft 37 or core which provides a path of travel for the container to guide its travel. Each floor is provided with an opening 39 in communication with this shaft 37. The bin assemblies 13 are positioned within the openings for receiving trash from the collection zones on each floor indicated generally at 41 and for selectively dumping their contents into an awaiting container assembly. It can be appreciated that while an elevator type shaft 37 is illustrated to provide a path of travel for the container 17, this path may be provided at the outer wall of a building with the bin assemblies communicating through openings within this outer wall.

The bin assemblies 13 are each pivotally positioned on a platform 43 which is positioned at the lower portion of the opening 39. This platform is suitably fastened to the floor 35 at 45, a leading edge thereof extending somewhat within the shaft 37.

As is more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the bin assemblies 13 are each pivotally mounted and suitably journalled about a transverse axis 47. A power means or drive motor 49 is provided to pivot a bin basket 51 about the axis 47 in a conventional manner. This motor may be of the hydraulic or electric type and is secured by means of mounting blocks 53 to a portion of the platform 43 and may be started by dump signal 31 (switch, etc.) and be stopped after one cycle by the dump corriplete switch 33. A suitable rotational coupling 55 may also be provided to insure that the basket 51 is driven smoothly.

An alternate configuration for the bin assemblies is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein a larger basket 100, for commercial use, is illustrated.

The basket 51 may have one generally inwardly tapered outer side wall 57 and a generally vertically projecting inner side wall 59. The inner side wall is positioned along the periphery of the shaft 37. The basket 51 may also be provided with two generally upwardly extending end walls 61 suitably joined at the edges of the side walls 57 and 59. The bottom of the basket 51 is preferably somewhat rounded or curved in order to militate against trash being jammed in the container and becoming caught on sharp edges thereof. While a tapered basket 51 is illustrated, it can be appreciated that other configurations and basket sizes may be suitable under certain conditions. For example, when large volumes of trash are collected from zones 41, as may be the case in commercial buildings, larger baskets would be desirable. Importantly, the basketSl receives trash from a particular collection zone and selectively dumps that trash into a container when a predetermined loading condition has been achieved.

A mounting flange 63 may be provided to frame the basket 51 and support portions of the bin assembly 13. A housing 65 may also be provided to surround the basket 51. This housing 65 may be partially supported by the flange 63. This housing may be fitted with a door or lid means 67 suitably hinged to permit easy access to the basket. A handle 71 and lock assembly 73 may be mounted along the sealingedge of the door 67. The lock assembly may be of conventional design and would be included to prevent unauthorized access to the basket 51. This lock may also have an automatic over-ride to prevent further filling of the basket once the desired loading condition has been reached. Further, the over-ride may be automatically released once the basket 51 has been emptied into the container 17.

The housing 65 and the door 67 may be suitably sealed about the basket 51 to prevent funes or contaminants from escaping to the area surrounding the bin assembly 13. The bin assembly may also incude an indicator light 69 which is illuminated when the predetermined loading condition has been achieved within the basket 51 or when the door 67 has been locked.

In operation, the basket would be actuated for dumping when the container 17 has reached a position appropriate for being charged from the container 51. The handling means 19 may, for example, be preset to pivot the basket 51 (see phantom showing in FIG. 2) through one dump cycle. In certain instances, however, the motor may be set for several pivotal dumps, thereby insuring discharge of all of its contents.

Container Assemblies Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, details of several container assemblies 17 are there shown.

The container assembly of FIG. 2 is a top dump device wherein a generally cylindrical receptacle 75 having a generally curved, closed bottom at 77 is provided. This bucket is also provided with an inclined opening at 79, sloping downwardly toward the wall of the elevator shaft where the bin assemblies 13 are located. The bucket 75 also includes a cam follower roller 78. The cooperation of this roller with the handling zone 19, where the bucket is emptied, will later be discussed.

A yoke means 80 is provided to straddle both sides of the receptacle or bucket 71 which is suitably pivoted therebetween by a conventional pivot pin assembly 82. An off center pivot, as illustrated, may be utilized to insure that complete dumping takes place. The yoke 80 is bifurcated to receive this bucket therebetween and is fastened at 83 to hoist line 81 which is suitably driven by the motor 21. This yoke is provided with a generally elongated central portion and a projecting leg portion through which the pin 82 is journalled. A cam track 85 which extends along the periphery of the elevator core 37 serves to prevent the premature tipping of the bucket 71 during its travel through the elevator shaft 37.

The yoke 80 also includes two pairs of cam follower or guide roller assemblies 87 on either side of the bucket 71. These roller assemblies are slidably received by the cam track means 85 which extends downwardly to the handling or bucket emptying means 19. This means 85 is provided with a pair of centralling disposed track opening means 93 facing and disposed on opposite sides of the bucket 71, the roller pairs 87 of the yoke being configured to ride in this track opening means.

At the lower end of the generally aright cam track 85 is a curved end portion at 86. This curved end portion as a portion of the handling means 19 facilitates the dumping of the container bucket 71 when it reaches this lower level. A projecting cam leg portion 95 provides a cam-like track path of travel for the follower roller means 78 which is positioned on each side of the bucket 71. Preventing the disengagement of this follower 78 is a stop 96 positioned at the end of the leg 95.

In operation, the bucket would travel in a generally upright position A until the follower means 78 reaches the cam leg means 95. Movement of this follower means along the cam leg means 95 will cause the bucket to begin to tip and pivot about pin 82, as is shown in phantom at B. Continued downward travel of the hoist line 81 will further pivot the bucket until the contents thereof are discharged (see phantom showing at C). The pairs of cam followers 87 travel along the track opening means 93 during this emptying operation and serve to steady and guide the bucket through the cycle.

Prior to the aforesaid bucket pivoting or dumping operation, the offcenter pivot means 82 on one side of the track means will cooperate with the engagement of cam follower means 78 with the other side of this track means 85 to stabilize bucket 75 during its ascent or descent.

With reference to FIG. 4, an alternative form of the container assembly 17 and the handling means 19 is there shown. A bottom dump bucket 97 is configured similarly to the bucket 71 of FIG. 2, but includes a scissor-like opening linkage 99 cooperatively connected to a lost motion connection which is operable to open door halves 101. These door halves, when closed, are sufficiently sealed to prevent the loss of refuse therethrough. The halves 101 are also pivotally hinged at 103 to swing away from one another when the bucket is swinging open.

The bucket 97 is supported between a bifurcated yoke 105 which is suitably secured at an upper end thereof to the hoist line 83 at 107. A pin 1 15 and closed doors 101 cooperate to support the bucket in the yoke. The yoke comprises an elongated support member having generally vertically extending slotted openings 109 therein on opposite sides of the bucket. The lower end of the yoke at 111 is pivotally fastened to the linkage assembly 99 by means of a conventional pivot pin means.

Projecting outwardly from either end of the bucket 97 is a pair of ear-like abutments 113. Each side of the bucket is provided with a pin 115 extending outwardly therefrom and slidably fitted with a slot 109. The cooperation of these pins with the lower periphery of the slots 109 and the linkage attachments at 111 serves to support the weight of the bucket 97 prior to its contact with the handling means 19. 1

In operation, when the yoke 105 is supported by-the line 83, as shown in position A, the bucket 97 is supported as noted within the yoke by pins 115 cradled in the lower edges of the slots 109 and/or by the linkage assembly 99. As the bucket continues to descend (phantom showing B), the abutments 113 rest on the stop portions 117 of the handling means 19. These stops may be conventional I beams suitably securedwithin the building framework. As the hoist line 83 and yoke 105 having the slot 109 therein move further downwardly, the linkage assembly 99, under the influence of gravity, will also move downwardly, with the slots 109 moving over the pin 1 15 which is now stationary. The downward movement of the yoke 105 will thus cause the door halves to pivot outwardly and allow the contents of the container to bedischarged.

Upward movement of the hoist line and yoke will reverse this procedure, there being a time lag between movement of the yoke and actual lifting of the bucket due to the lost motion connection. As has been noted, the bucket 97 remains stationary during this opening and closing operation, with the yoke assembly 105 moving relatively thereto due to the lost motion connection between the two.

FIG. 5 shows yet another container assembly 17 and handling means 19 of the invention.

A removable bucket 1 19, having a shape conforming generally to those discussed with reference to FIGS. 2

and 4, is provided. This bucket carries support rollers 121 which are rotatably secured at each side thereof. A yoke assembly 123 supports the bucket 119 and is fastened to the hoist line 83 at 125. This yoke is bifurcated, with the bucket 119 fitting between a pair of yoke arms. The yoke 123 includes, on each side, a supporting flange 127 which faces inwardly toward the bucket sides and is provided with an upwardly open escape path or socket 129. Rollers or retainers 121 on each side of the bucket are normally removably supported within the escape sockets 129 when the yoke is supported from line 83.

In operation, as the bucket 119 moves from a support position A to a release position, shown in phantom at B, the line 83 lowers the bucket into engagement with a removal track assembly 131. Engagement with this track assembly at 132 will hold the bucket stationary as the hoist line 83 and yoke 123 continue to move downwardly. As previously noted, at thisjuncture the bucket and rollers 121 are merely resting in the bases of the sockets 129. When each roller 121 escapes through the upper opening of its socket 129 as the yoke moves further down, the bucket 119 may move laterally (to the right in FIG. out of alignment with the yoke 123 and be suitably positioned for subsequent removal.

The track assembly 131 is intended to facilitate the removal of full buckets and to automatically place empty buckets into the yoke 123 for further filling from the bin assemblies 13. This track assembly or removal means is provided with a supply of empty buckets 119 positioned along an inclined portion thereof at 133. These buckets are supported by the rollers 121 for movement along this inclined track portion.

A central placement assembly 135 is pivotally hinged at 137 for generally up-and-down swinging movement. This assembly 135 includes a stop portion at 139 which prevents movement of the supply of empty buckets prior to the removal of the full bucket from the yoke 123. The right end of assembly 135 overlaps discharge track 131 and contains pin receiving notch means 145. Pivoting of the placement assembly is accomplished by means of a conventional hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 141 acting adjacent the stop 139.

Sequential feeding of buckets may be effected by causing actuator 141 to initially slightly elevate the left end of track section 135 while it is supporting a bucket on notch means 145. This elevating movement will lower the notch means 145 and cause the detached bucket resting via its pins 121 on notch means 145 to be free of the notch means and roll on track 131 to the right as shown in FIG. 5. Subsequent automatic actuation of actuator 141, to induce pivotal lowering of the left end of section 135, will permit one new bucket to pass over the lowered stop 139 and roll onto the now downwardly sloping left end of assembly 135.

Reraising of the left end of section 135 to a partially elevated condition will permit a new bucket to roll along section 135 into the notch means 145. Thereafter the actuator 14] may be operated to slightly lower section 135 to the neutral position shown in FIG. 5. Once this is accomplished, the yoke assembly may be raised, and the pins 121 of the new bucket will pass into the open upper ends of the socket means 129.

FIGS. 6 9 show several known trash processing means which are utilizable with the invention.

In FIG. 6a trash baler 147 is illustrated where trash may be deposited into a hopper assembly 149 from the dump buckets of FIGS. 2 and, 4. The trash is compressed and tied within the baler 147, with a packaged.

module 151 being discharged therefrom. This baler 147 is quite suitable for many types of refuse and may be positioned below and in alignment with the emptying buckets.

FIG. 7 is illustrative of a sump pump trash processing system 153 wherein the trash deposited within a hopper 158 from above, is chopped into a slurry and pumped through an exhaust conduit 157 by a pump 159 driven by motor 160. This sump pump is preferred when wet refuse is handled and with the hopper being positioned below the emptying buckets of FIGS. 2 and 4.

In FIG. 8 the trash is deposited into a trailer 161 for removal to a dumping area. The trailer may be towed by a tractor or other vehicle 163 or may be selfpropelled.

FIG. 9 provides for a mobile trailer 165 which includes a plurality of inclined racks 167 therein. The full buckets of FIG. 5 may be supported on these racks and be transported to a disposal area. The rear of the trailer may be aligned with the track assembly 131 so that full buckets may be stored directly therein until subsequent removal.

SUMMARY OF ADVANTAGES Thus, it may be seen that according to the present invention, a novel automatic trash removal system, having a refuse collecting container assembly responsive to a predetermined loading condition of a trash bin assembly remotely located from the container assembly, is provided.

Particularly significant is the fact that the utilization of a signalling means, dependent on the condition of collecting bins for actuating an elevator control, allows for the collection of remotely collected trash without the need for manual assistance. Also, it is significant that a refuse container is automatically charged from the signalling bin when it reaches that bin.

Also of importance are the automated handling means provided to deal with the trash collected within the containers. Significantly, the cooperation of the handling means, located at a trash emptying zone, with the individual container assemblies, in the several embodiments, serves to empty the containers after they have been charged from one or more bins. Also, the invention, in one form, provides for the removal of the container after the filling thereof for subsequent handling and automatically resupplies the empty yoke assembly with an empty container.

Most significantly, the problems characterizing incinerator chutes, jamitor operated service elevator systems, etc., are eliminated or at least substantially mini mized.

Of yet additional significance is the provision for individually powered bins which selectively dump their contents when there is an indication that a container is suitably located for this purpose.

Advantageously, the bins communicate with a particular trash collection zone and are selectively pivotable to discharge their contents. Desirably, the bins are sealed for sanitary and esthetic reasons and are provided with lock devices to prevent unauthorized tampering. Additionally, a lock-out may be effected when the predetermined bin loading condition has been achieved to prevent overfilling, remaining locked untilthe bin has been emptied.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred and illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, modifications, substitutions and deletions not specifically described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A trash removal system comprising:

bin means located remotely from one another for receiving trash from individual collection zones;

collection means operable to travel to said bin means and to be selectively charged with the contents of said bin means;

said bin means including,

a pivotally journaled basket located on at least one floor or a multi-storied building and operable to dump the contents thereof into said collection means;

housing means operable to seal and enclose said bin means; and

door means connected to said housing means and operable to provide communication with a trash receiving opening in said basket;

indicating means operable to indicate a loading condition of at least one of said bin means;

signal means operable in response to operation of said indicating means to automatically initiate travel of said collection means to said at least one of said bin means;

discharge means for discharging the contents of said at least one of said bin means into said collection means, including 7 power means connected to said pivotally journaled basket for selectively tilting said basket about a pivotal axis thereof when actuated upon arrival of said collection means through operation of said signal means;

means for handling the contents of said collection means when charged at least with the contents of said at least one of said bin means; and

means for transporting said collection means to said handling means where the contents thereof may be removed.

2. The trash removal system according to claim 1 wherein said collection means comprises:

an elevator hoist line;

yoke assembly means connected to said elevator hoist line; and

container means supported within said yoke assembly and operable to be movable relative to said yoke assembly in response to contact with said handling means.

3. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein said container means includes an open-topped receptacle,

cam follower means connected to the side of said receptacle;

wherein said yoke assembly means includes yoke guide means,

said yoke assembly means being pivotally journalled to said receptacle; and

said handling means includes a cam track assembly having leg means thereof operable to receive said container cam follower means upon movement of said receptacle toward said handling means,

said leg means curving upwardly and being operable to pivot said receptacle within said yoke assembly in response to camming cooperation between said cam follower means and said cam 5 track assembly.

4. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein said container means includes an open-topped receptacle, pivotally hinged bottom opening doors, pin means projecting outwardly from said receptacle, and abutment means operable to support said receptacle when in cooperating contact with said handling means; said yoke assembly means includes lost motion connection means downwardly slidable relative to said receptacle pin means when said abutment means contacts said handling means, linkage means connecting said lost motion connection means to said hinged doors and being operable to open said doors during the downward movement of said lost motion connection relative to said receptacle; and said handling means includes stop means operable to prevent downward move-' ment of said container means by' contacting said receptacle abutment means. 5. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein i said container means includes an open topped receptacle; retainer means operable to be removably supported within said yoke assembly; said yoke assembly includes supporting flange means having upwardly open escape path means for said retainer means, and said handling means includes track assembly means engageable with said retainer means and operable in response to engagement therewith to induce separation of said retainer means from said escape path means so as to disengage said receptacle from said yoke assembly. 6. The trash removal system according to claim 5 wherein said track assembly means includes:

receptacle supply means on'an incline'd portion of said track assembly means and operable to supply individual empty receptacles; and receptacle placement means on a portion of said track assembly means and operable to remove receptacles from said track assembly which have been disengaged from said yoke assembly and to receive empty receptacles from said supply means for re-engagement with said yoke assembly. 7. A trash removal system comprising: bin means located remotely from one another for receiving trash from individual collection zones; collection means operable to travel to said bin means and to be selectively charged with the contents of said bin means, including an elevator hoist line; yoke assembly means connected to. said elevator hoist line, including lost motion connection means downwardly slidable relative to said receptacle pin means when said abutment means contacts said handling means, linkage means connecting said lost motion connection means to said hinged doors and being operable to open said doors during the downward movement of said lost motion connection relative to said receptable; and container means supported within said yoke assembly and operable to be movable relative to said yoke assembly in response to contact with said handling means, including an open-topped receptacle, pivotally hinged bottom opening doors, pin means projecting outwardly from said receptacle, and abutment means operable to support said receptacle when in cooperating contact with said handling means; indicating means operable to indicate a loading condition of at least one of said bin means; signal means operable in response to operation of said indicating means to automatically initiate travel of said collection means to said at least one of said bin means; discharge means for discharging the contents of said at least one of said bin means into said collection means; means for handling the contents of said collection means when charged at least with the contents of said at least one of said bin means, including stop means operable to prevent downward movement of said container means by contacting said receptacle abutment means; and means for transporting said collection means to said handling means where the contents thereof may be removed. 

1. A trash removal system comprising: bin means located remotely from one another for receiving trash from individual collection zones; collection means operable to travel to said bin means and to be selectively charged with the contents of said bin means; said bin means including, a pivotally journaled basket located on at least one floor or a multi-storied building and operable to dump the contents thereof into said collection means; housing means operable to seal and enclose said bin means; and door means connected to said housing means and operable to provide communication with a trash receiving opening in said basket; indicating means operable to indicate a loading condition of at least one of said bin means; signal means operable in response to operation of said indicating means to automatically initiate travel of said collection means to said at least one of said bin means; discharge means for discharging the contents of said at least one of said bin means into said collection means, including power means connected to said pivotally journaled basket for selectively tilting said basket about a pivotal axis thereof when actuated upon arrival of said collection means through operation of said signal means; means for handling the contents of said collection means when charged at least with the contents of said at least one of said bin means; and means for transporting said collection means to said handling means where the contents thereof may be removed.
 2. The trash removal system according to claim 1 wherein said collection means comprises: an elevator hoist line; yoke assembly means connected to said elevator hoist line; and container means supported within said yoke assembly and operable to be movable relative to said yoke assembly in response to contact with said handling means.
 3. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein said container means includes an open-topped receptacle, cam follower means connected to the side of said receptacle; wherein said yoke assembly means includes yoke guide means, said yoke assembly means being pivotally journalled to said receptacle; and said handling means includes a cam track assembly having leg means thereof operable to receive said container cam follower means upon movement of said receptacle toward said handling means, said leg means curving upwardly and being operable to pivot said receptacle within said yoke assembly in response to camming cooperation between said cam follower means and said cam track assembly.
 4. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein said container means includes an open-topped receptacle, pivotally hinged bottom opening doors, pin means projecting outwardly from said receptacle, and abutment means operable to support said receptacle when in cooperating contact with said handling means; said yoke assembly means includes lost motion connection means downwardly slidable relative to said receptacle pin means when said abutment means contacts said handling means, linkage means connecting said lost motion connection means to said hinged doors and being operable to open said doors during the downward movement of said lost motion connection relative to said receptacle; and said handling means includes stop means operable to prevent downward movement of said container means by contacting said receptacle abutment means.
 5. The trash removal system according to claim 2 wherein said container means includes an open topped receptacle; retainer means operable to be removably supported within said yoke assembly; said yoke assembly includes supporting flange means having upwardly open escape path means for said retainer means, and said handling means includes track assembly means engageable with said retainer means and operable in response to engagement therewith to induce separation of said retainer means from said escape path means so as to disengage said receptacle from said yoke assembly.
 6. The trash removal system according to claim 5 wherein said track assembly means includes: receptacle supply means on an inclined portion of said track assembly means and operable to supply individual empty receptacles; and receptacle placement means on a portion of said track assembly means and operable to remove receptacles from said track assembly which have been disengaged from said yoke assembly and to receive empty receptacles from said supply means for re-engagement with saId yoke assembly.
 7. A trash removal system comprising: bin means located remotely from one another for receiving trash from individual collection zones; collection means operable to travel to said bin means and to be selectively charged with the contents of said bin means, including an elevator hoist line; yoke assembly means connected to said elevator hoist line, including lost motion connection means downwardly slidable relative to said receptacle pin means when said abutment means contacts said handling means, linkage means connecting said lost motion connection means to said hinged doors and being operable to open said doors during the downward movement of said lost motion connection relative to said receptable; and container means supported within said yoke assembly and operable to be movable relative to said yoke assembly in response to contact with said handling means, including an open-topped receptacle, pivotally hinged bottom opening doors, pin means projecting outwardly from said receptacle, and abutment means operable to support said receptacle when in cooperating contact with said handling means; indicating means operable to indicate a loading condition of at least one of said bin means; signal means operable in response to operation of said indicating means to automatically initiate travel of said collection means to said at least one of said bin means; discharge means for discharging the contents of said at least one of said bin means into said collection means; means for handling the contents of said collection means when charged at least with the contents of said at least one of said bin means, including stop means operable to prevent downward movement of said container means by contacting said receptacle abutment means; and means for transporting said collection means to said handling means where the contents thereof may be removed. 